Squash World Open 2011: James Willstrop drops big hint to Rotterdam rivals after vintage display

James Willstrop, last year’s runner-up, handed out a severe lesson to student
Marwan El Shorbagy, Egypt’s current world junior champion, as the Englishman
advanced to the quarter-finals of the World Open in Rotterdam.

Vintage: James Willstrop trounced his young Egyptian opponentPhoto: JORDAN MANSFIELD

Willstrop’s killer drops and deadly accurate length proved too much for Shorbagy as the 18 year-old, who studies at Bristol’s University of West of England, limped out with a painful memory of his 11-8, 11-3, 11-0 drubbing.

“I’ve performed consistently well recently,” said Willstrop, who relished the all-glass court conditions at the impressive Luxor Theatre. “I’ve moved up to world No 3 and I don’t need to convince anyone of my credentials.

“It’s about producing the goods on a given week and I believe that I am there.”

Shorbagy did start brightly to open up a 5-2 lead, but then came Willstrop’s wonderful stage management.

He began with seven points in a row to secure the first, revelled in countless drop winners and side wall accuracy in the second – a game his coach and father, Malcolm, described as one of his “complete performances” in romping to a 9-1 lead – before bageling the 18 year-old to close out an emphatic win.

The Yorkshireman has looked relaxed and fresh all week here – when he has been spotted on court that is. Willstrop had spent a mere 46 minutes in his trademark bandana during his opening two matches at the nearby Victoria Club, though one came courtesy of a forced injury, and added only half an hour during his romp against Shorbagy.

The freshness, which has sometimes been Willstrop’s undoing, could prove pivotal for the 28 year-old. He now plays Amr Shabana, the four-time world champion, who came from two games down to beat Egyptian compatriot Hisham Ashour. Following his 3-11, 8-11, 11-4, 11-9, 11-5 win over 48 rapid minutes, Shabana earned his ninth quarter-final berth in succession.

Meanwhile, two all-English ties will take place on Friday. Peter Barker and Nick Matthew, the world No 1 who is looking to become Britain’s first double world champion, will play for a place in the semi-finals.

Jenny Duncalf and Laura Massaro, England’s top two players, will also battle for a last four spot.